2010 SKODA OCTAVIA engine

Instruments and warning lights27
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Warning lightsOverview
The warning lights indicate certain functions or faults.
Fig. 21 Instrument cluster with warning lights

Turn signal lights (to the left) page 28

Turn signal lights (to the right) page 28

Fog lights* page 29

Main beam light page 29

Low beam light page 29

Rear fog light page 29

Cruise control system* page 29

Failure of the light bulbs page 29

Diesel particle filter* (diesel engine) page 29

Airbag system page 30

Control system for exhaust page 30


Electromechanical power steering page 30

Engine oil pressure page 30

EPC fault light (petrol engine) page 31
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Instruments and warning lights
28
WARNING

If you do not pay attention to the warning lights coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in severe body inju-
ries or major vehicle damage.

The engine compartment of your car is a hazardous area. There is a risk of
injuries, scalding, accidents and fire wh en working in the engine compartment,
e.g. inspecting and replenishing oil and other fluids. It is also essential to
observe all warnings page 197, “Working in the engine compartment”.Note

The arrangement of the indicator lights depends on the model version. The
symbols shown in the following functional description are to be found as indicator
lights in the instrument cluster.

Operational faults are shown in the instrument cluster as red symbols (priority 1 -
danger) or yellow symbol s (priority 2 - warning).
Turn signal system

Either the left
 or right
 indicator light flashes depending on the position of the turn
signal lever.
The indicator light flashes at twice its normal rate if a turn signal light fails.
Switching off the hazard warning light system is switched on will cause all of the turn
signal lights as well as both indicator lights to flash.
Further information about the turn signal system page 57.

Glow plug system (diesel engine) page 31

Coolant temperature/coolant level page 31

Traction control system (TCS) page 32

Electronic stability programme (ESP)* page 32

Switch off traction control system (TCS) page 32

Selector lever lock* page 33

Tyre pres su re* page 33

Antilock brake system (ABS) page 33

Bonnet page 33

Seat belt warning light page 34

Brake pad wear* page 34

Boot lid page 34

Open door page 34

Fluid level in windshield washer system* page 34

Brake system page 34

Dynamo page 35

Engine oil level page 35

Fuel reserve page 35
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Instruments and warning lights29
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Fog lights*

The warning light
 comes on when the fog lights are operating page 54.
Main beam

The indicator light
 comes on when the main beam is selected or also when the
headlight flasher is operated.
Further information about the main beam page 57.
Low beam

The warning light
 comes on when low beam is selected page 51.
Rear fog light

The warning light
 comes on when the rear fog lights are operating page 55.
Cruise control system*

The warning light
 lights up, when operating the speed regulating system.
Bulb failure

The warning light
 comes on if a bulb is faulty:

up to 2 seconds after the ignition is switched on,

when switching on the defective light bulb.
The following text e.g will be displayed in the information display*: Check front right dipped beam!
The rear side lights and the licence plate li ghting require several light bulbs. The indi-
cator light
 only lights up if all light bulbs of the licence plate lighting or the parking
light (in one rear light unit) are defective. Check regularly the function of the light
bulbs.
Diesel particle filter*

(diesel engine)
If the warning light

comes on, this means that soot has accumulated in the diesel
particle filter because of the frequent short distances.
In order to clean the diesel particle filter, the vehicle should be driven at an even speed
of at least 60 km/h at engine speeds of 1 800 - 2 500 rpm for at least 15 minutes or until
the warning light goes out with the 4th or 5th gear engaged (automatic gearbox: posi-
tion S) when the traffic situation permits it. This increases the exhaust temperature and
the soot deposited in the diesel particle filter is burnt.
Always pay attention to the valid speed limits .
The warning light

goes out after the successful cleaning of the diesel particle filter.
If the filter is not properly cleaned, the warning light

does not go out and the
warning light
 begins to flash. In the information display* appears Diesel-particle:
Owner's manual . Afterwards the engine control unit shifts the engine into the emer-
gency mode, which only has a reduced power output. After switching the ignition off
and on again the warning light
 comes on.
Have the vehicle inspected without delay by your specialist garage.
WARNING

If you do not pay attention to the warning light coming on and the corre-
sponding descriptions and warning notes, this may result in injuries or major
vehicle damage.

Always adjust your speed to suit weather, road, region and traffic condi-
tions. The route indicated by the warnin g light must not tempt you to disregard
the national regulations for road traffic.Caution
As long as the warning light

li ghts up, one must take into account an incre as ed f uel
consumption and in certain circumstan ces a power reduction of the engine.
Note
Further information about diesel particle filter page 173.
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Instruments and warning lights
30
Airbag system

Monitoring the airbag system
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
There is a fault in the system if the warning light does not go out or flashes while driving
 . This also applies if the warning light does not come on when the ignition is
switched on.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Error: Airbag
The functionality of the airbag system is also monitored electronically when one airbag
has been switched off.
The following situation applies if the fr ont, side and head airbags or belt
tensioner have been switched off using the vehicle system tester:

The warning light
 lights up for 4 seconds after switching on the ignition and then
flashes again for 12 seconds in intervals of 2 seconds.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Airbag/belt tensioner deactivated
The following situation applies if the ai rbag has been switched off using the
switch for the airbag* in the storage compartment:

the warning light
 comes on for 4 seconds after the ignition has been switched
on,

switching off the airbag is indicated in the middle of the dash panel by the lighting
up of the indicator light

 (airbag switched off)  page 157.
WARNING
Have the airbag system checked immediat ely by a specialist garage if a fault
exists. Otherwise, there is a risk of the airbag not being activated in the event of
an accident.Control system for exhaust

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. If the warning light does not go out after starti
ng the engine or it lights up when driving,
a fault exists in an exhaust relevant co mponent. The engine management system
selects an emergency programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist
garage by adopting a ge ntle style of driving.
Electromechanical power steering
 
The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
If the warning light after switching on the ignition or when driving lights up continu-
ously, a fault exists in the electromechanical power steering.

If the yellow warning light lights up
, this indicates a partial failure of the power
steering and the steering forces can be greater.

If the red warning light lights up
, this indicates a complete failure of the power
steering and the steering assist has failed (significantly higher steering forces).
Further information page 172.
WARNING
Contact your specialist garage if the power steering is defective.
Note

If the yellow warning light
 goes out after starting the engine again and a short
drive, it is not necessary to visit a specialist garage.

If the battery has been di sconnected and reconnected, the yellow warning light

comes on after switching on the ignition. Th e warning light must go out after driving a
short distance.
Engine oil pressure

The warning light  comes on for a few seconds
4) when the ignition is switched on.
4)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switch-
ing the ignition on, but only if a fault exists or the engine oil level is too low.
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Instruments and warning lights31
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Stop the vehicle and switch the engine off
if the warning light does not go off after
the engine has started or flashes while driving. Check the oil level and top up with oil
as necessary page 199, “Replenishing engine oil”.
An audible signal sounds three times as an additional warning signal.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the condi-
tions prevailing to top up with oil. Keep the engine switched off and obtain profes-
sional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe engine
damage.
Do not drive any further if the warning light flashes even if the oil is at the correct
level. Do not run the engine not at idling speed either. Contact the nearest specialist
garage to obtain professional assistance.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Oil Pressure: Engine off! Owner's manual
WARNING

If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system.

The red oil pressure light

is not an oil level indicator! One should there-
fore check the oil level at regular inte rvals, preferably after every refueling
stop.
EPC fault light

(petrol engine)
The
 (Electronic Power Control) warning light comes on for a few seconds when the
ignition is switched on.
If the warning light
 does not go out or lights up after starting the engine, a fault
exists in the engine control. The engine management system selects an emergency
programme which enables you to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a
gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault. Workshop!
Glow plug system

(diesel engine)
The warning light
 lights up for a cold engine when switching on the ignition (pre-
heat position) page 107. Start the engine after the indicator light goes out.
The glow plug indicator light will come on for about 1 second if the engine is at a
normal operating temperature or if the outside temperature is above +5°C. This
means that you can start the engine right away.
There is a fault in the glow plug system if the warning light
 does not come on at
all or lights up continuously . Contact a specialist garage as soon as possible to obtain
assistance.
If the warning light
 begins to flash while driving, a fault exists in the engine control.
The engine management syst em selects an emergency programme which enables you
to drive to the nearest specialist garage by adopting a gentle style of driving.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Engine fault. Workshop!
Coolant temperature/coolant level

The warning light  comes on for a few seconds
5) when the ignition is switched on.
The coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level too low if the warning light

does not go out or flashes while driving.
3 peeps sound as an additional warning signal.
In this case stop and switch the engine off and check the coolant level; top up the
coolant as necessary.
Do not continue your journey if for some reason it is not possible under the condi-
tions prevailing to top up with coolant. Keep the engine switched off and obtain
professional assistance from a specialist garage, otherwise it could lead to severe
engine damage.
5)The warning light  on vehicles fitted with information display does not come on after switching
the ignition on, but only if the coolant temperature is too high or the coolant level is too low.
A2
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Instruments and warning lights
32
If the coolant is within the specified range, the increased temperature may be caused
by an operating problem at th e coolant fan. Check the fuse for the coolant fan, replace
it if necessary page 227, “Fuse assignment in engine compartment”.
Do not continue driving if the warning light does not go off although the fluid is at the
correct level and also the fuse of the fan is in proper order. Contact a specialist garage
to obtain assistance.
Please also refer to the additional instructions page 200, “Cooling system”.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Check coolant! Owner's manual
WARNING

If you must stop for technical reasons, then park the vehicle at a safe
distance from the traffic and switch off the engine and switch on the hazard
warning light system page 56.

Take care when opening the coolant expa nsion bottle. If the engine is hot,
the cooling system is pressurized - risk of scalding! It is best to allow the engine
to cool down before removing the cap.

Do not touch the coolant fan The coolant fan may switch on automatically
even if the ignition is off.
Traction control system (TCS)

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
The warning light flashes when a control cycle is activated while driving.
The warning light lights up permanentl y if there is a fault in the system.
The fact that the TCS system operates together with the ABS means that the TCS
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light  comes on immediately after starting the engine, the TCS system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the TCS system can be switched
on again by switching the ignition on and off. If the warning light goes out, the TCS
system is fully functional again.
Further information about the TCS page 169, “Traction control system (TCS)”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
Switch off traction control system (TCS)

The TCS system is switched off by pressing the button page 169, fig. 150 and the
warning light
 lights up.
Electronic stability programme (ESP)*

The warning light
 comes on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched on.
When the ESP helps to stabilise the vehicle, the warning light
 flashes in the instru-
ment cluster.
The warning light lights up permanently if there is a fault in the ESP system.
The fact that the ESP system operates together with the ABS means that the ESP
warning light will also come on if the ABS system is not operating properly.
If the warning light
 comes on immediately after starting the engine, the ESP system
can be switched off for technical reasons. In this case, the ESP system can be switched
on again by switching the igni tion on and off. If the warning light goes out, the ESP
system is fully functional again.
Further information on the ESP page 167, “Electronic stab ility programme (ESP)*”.
Electronic Differential Lock (EDL)*
The EDL is a part of the ESP. A fault in the ED L is indicated by the lighting up of the ESP
warning light in the instrument cluster. Have the vehicle inspected without delay by an
authorised Škoda Service Partner. Further information on the EDL page 168, “Elec-
tronic Differential Lock (EDL and XDL)*”.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected and reconnected, the warning light
 comes on
after switching on the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short
distance.
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Instruments and warning lights33
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
Selector lever lock*

If the green warning light
 lights up, operate the brake pedal. This is necessary, in
order to be able to move the selector lever out of the position P or N.
Further information about the selector lever lock page 116.
Tyre inflation pressure*

The warning light
 lights up, if there is a substantia l drop in inflation pressure in one
of the tyres. Reduce the speed and check or correct as soon as possible the inflation
pressure in the tyres page 208.
If the warning light flashes, there is a system fault. Visit the nearest specialist garage and
have the fault rectified.
Further information about the tyre pressure monitoring system page 172.
WARNING

When the warning light
 lights up, immediately reduce the speed and
avoid sudden steering and brake manoeuvr es. Please stop the vehicle without
delay at the nearest possible stop and in spect the tyres and their inflation pres-
sures.

Under certain circumstances (e.g. sporty style of driving, wintry or unpaved
roads) the warning light
 can be delayed or does not light up at all.
Note
If the battery has been disconnected, the warning light
 comes on after switching on
the ignition. The warning light must go out after driving a short distance.
Antilock brake system (ABS)

The warning light
 shows the functionality of the ABS.
The warning light comes on for a few seconds after the ignition has been switched on
or when starting the engine. The warning light goes out after an automatic check
sequence has been completed. A fault in the ABS
The system is not functioning properly if the ABS warning light
 does not go out
within a few seconds after switching on the igni tion, does not light up at all or lights up
while driving. The vehicle will only be br aked by the normal brake system. Visit a
specialist garage immediately and adjust your style of driving appropriately as you will
not know how great the damage is.
Further information about ABS page 171, “Antilock brake system (ABS)”.
A fault in the entire brake system
If the ABS warning light
 comes on together with the brake system warning light

(handbrake must be released), there is a fault not only in the ABS but also in another
part of the brake system .
WARNING

If the brake system warning light
 comes on together with the ABS
warning light
 stop the vehicle immediately an d check the brake fluid level in
the reservoir page 202, “Brake fluid”. If the fluid level has dropped below the
MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain professional
assistance.

Pay attention to the following instructions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 197, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.

If the brake fluid is at the correct leve l, the ABS control function has failed.
The rear wheels may then block very rapi dly when braking. In certain circum-
stances, this can result in the rear end of the car breaking away - risk of skid-
ding! Drive carefully to the nearest specialist garage and have the fault
rectified.
Bonnet

The warning light
 comes on if the bonnet is unlocked. If the bonnet unlocks while
driving, the warning light lights up
 and as a warning an audible signal sounds.
The warning light comes on even when the ig nition is switched off. The warning light
lights up for a maximum of 5 minutes.
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Instruments and warning lights35
Using the system
Safety
Driving Tips
General Maintenance
Breakdown assistance
Technical Data
For further information on the brake system
page 170, “Brakes”.
Handbrake applied
The warning light
 also comes on if the handbrake is applied. An audible warning is
also given if you drive the vehicle for at least 3 seconds at a speed of more than 6 km/h.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Release parking brake!
WARNING

Pay attention to the following instruct ions before checking the brake fluid
level and opening the bonnet page 197, “Working in the engine compart-
ment”.

If the brake system warning light
 does not go out a few seconds after
switching on the ignition or comes on when driving, stop immediately and
check the brake fluid in the reservoir page 202. If the fluid level has dropped
below the MIN marking, do not drive any further - risk of accident! Obtain
professional assistance.
Alternator

The warning light
 comes on after the ignition has been switched on. It should go
out after the engine has started.
If the warning light does not go out after the engine has started, or comes on when
driving, drive to the nearest specialist garage. The vehicle battery will be discharged in
this case so switch off all non- essential electrical components.
Caution
If the warning light
 comes on when driving and in addition the warning light

(cooling system fault) also comes on in di splay, you must then stop the car immedi-
ately and switch the engine off - risk of engine damage!
Engine oil level

Warning light
 lights up
If the warning light  lights up, the quantity of oil in the engine is probably too low.
Check as soon as possible the oil level or top up page 199, “Replenishing engine oil”
with engine oil.
A peep sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*:
Check oil level!
The warning light will go out if the bonnet is left open for more than 30 seconds. If no
engine oil has been replenished, the warning light will come on again after driving
about 100 km.
Warning light
 flashes
A fault on the engine oil level sensor is indicated additionally by an audible signal and
the warning light coming on several times after the ignition has been switched on.
In this case have the engine inspecte d without delay by a specialist garage.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Oil sensor. Workshop!
Fuel reserve

The warning light
 comes on, if the fuel level is still below 9 litres.
An audible signal sounds as an additional warning signal.
The following text will be displayed in the information display*: Please refuel! Range...km
Note
The Text in the information display* goes ou t only after refuelling and driving a short
distance.
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